Eastern Washington's Cooper Kupp, Montana's Tyrone Holmes honored

FRISCO, Texas -- Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp was honored Friday night as the Football Championship Subdivision offensive player of the year, and Montana defensive end Tyrone Holmes took the defensive award in a Big Sky Conference sweep of the top four awards.

Kupp led the FCS in five statistical categories as a junior, finishing with 114 receptions, 10.4 receptions per game, 1,642 yards receiving, 149.3 yards receiving per game and 19 touchdown catches. He also threw two touchdown passes and returned a punt for another score.

"Obviously, it's a great honor, especially to be in the final three with this group of great players," Kupp said. "When your name is called for an honor like this you are humbled -- it wasn't something I ever imagined happening."

Holmes had an FCS-leading 18 sacks in his senior season. He edged Southern Utah defensive end James Cowser and Portland State safety Patrick Onwuasor.

"I have some really good coaches that have allowed me to hone my skills over my time being here," Holmes said. "It's my senior season, I realize that this is my last go at it, and I really wanted to make the most out of it."

Northern Arizona quarterback Case Cookus was selected the freshman of the year, and Portland State's Bruce Barnum was the coach of the year. Jacksonville State's Dalton Screws won the Doris & Eddie Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award.

Jacksonville State will face North Dakota State on Saturday in the title game.